Rock Island Today

City of Rock Island City Council met July 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

1. Call to Order

Mayor Harris called the meeting to order at 6:51 p.m. and welcomed everyone.

2. Roll Call

Mayor Harris asked City Clerk Samantha Gange to call the roll.

Present: Alderpersons Glen Evans, Randy Hurt, Linda Barnes, Jenni Swanson, Dylan Parker, Mark Poulos and Mayor Ashley Harris.

Absent: None.

Staff: City Manager Todd Thompson, Attorney Leslie Day, City Clerk Samantha Gange, and other City Staff.

City Clerk Gange said that Alderperson Bill Healy would like to attend via remote connection pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/7(c) for employment/business purposes.

MOTION:

Alderperson Poulos moved to allow Alderperson Bill Healy to attend via remote connection for employment/business purposes; seconded by Alderperson Evan's.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Poulos, Healy, Hurt, Parker, Evans, Barnes. Nays: None. Absent: None.

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Harris led in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

4. Moment of Silence

Mayor Harris requested a moment of silence. A moment of silence was observed.

5. Public Comment

Kelly McKay, Ryan Schmitz, Lisa Stender, Joyce Singh, Sandy Moaess, Mark Roberts, Linda Boardson, Brian Reitter, Elizabeth VanCamp, Sandra Brennen Tevin Leitz and Jane Kettering-Bryant spoke about the Casino West I-280 project and wetlands.

Christina Adamson, Kristin Koski, Andy Boswell, Ron Lund, Dwight Ford, Tia Parker, Gregg Hampton, Patrick Adamson, Dave Hodge, Laura Mahn, Briana Boswell, Mollie Thies, Steve Scranton spoke about their concerns with the moratorium on homeless shelters and services.

Jacob Foote indicated his support for the amendments to the fire sprinkler ordinance.

Andrew Burke talked about parking safety.

6. Update Rock Island

Nominations are open for the 38th Annual Rock Island Citizen of the Year Awards

Each year, people in the community have an opportunity to submit a nomination for those who have inspired others or made selfless contributions of service to the City. There are nine categories available for nomination: Individual; Youth; Education; Professional; Artist or Creator; Veteran; City Employee; Business; and Organization, Church or Non-Profit.

The nomination form is on the front page of the City’s website at rigov.org. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, Aug. 8 at 5 p.m. Winners will be recognized and presented with awards during the Aug. 25 city council meeting and winners will also ride in the 41st annual Labor Day Parade on Monday, Sept. 1.

West End Revitalization Community Meeting

Next steps in the participatory budgeting process will take place on Tuesday, August 5th from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Center, 630 9th Street. The steering committee has reviewed all submitted ideas and is developing up to 10 project proposals. At this meeting, you can learn about the proposals, share feedback to strengthen them, and get ready to vote starting August 30th. For questions, visit mlkcenter.org or call 309- 732-2999.

Calling participants for Soul of the City

Soul of the City 2025 is coming up on Saturday, August 30th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Franklin Field, 1251 9th Street. This outdoor community celebration brings together the MLK Center, Rock Island Parks and Recreation, the West End Rib Fest, the Community Caring Conference, and the Rock Island County NAACP. The event highlights our neighborhoods, families and cultures with live entertainment, kids’ activities, a parade and the Rib Fest competition.

We are still seeking participants through August 1 for merchant and food vendors, Rib Fest contestants, nonprofit informational booths and parade entries. Links to sign up are available on the MLK Center website.

7. Passage of Ordinances and Resolutions

a. An ordinance amending Chapter 3 "Alcoholic Liquor" Sec. 3-12(c) Limitations on Certain Licenses, providing City Council with the discretion to grant the creation of an additional license in a Class with a restriction on size. (Second Reading)

Motion: Motion to pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Swanson moved to pass the ordinance; Alderperson Healy seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 4-3-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Poulos, Healy, Hurt. Nay: Parker, Evans, Barnes. Absent: None.

b. A special ordinance approving a development agreement between the City of Rock Island and New Field Ventures, LLC. (Second Reading)

Motion: Motion to pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to pass the ordinance; Alderperson Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, 7th Ward Alderman Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

c. Report from Administration regarding a resolution for a moratorium on all new boarding houses, congregate living facilities, detoxification facilities, food pantries, emergency shelters, halfway houses, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and transitional housing expiring November 24, 2025.

Motion: Motion to adopt the resolution.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to adopt the resolution; Alderperson Swanson seconded.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt made a motion to postpone the resolution for a moratorium until the August 25, 2025 meeting; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Some council members expressed concern about the negative impacts of a concentrated homeless population in the downtown area, particularly public safety issues experienced by the small downtown businesses. They emphasized the need for greater collaboration among service providers across the Quad Cities and called for a more comprehensive, regional approach to addressing homelessness.

It was noted that the moratorium was enacted due to the growing concentration of services in the downtown area and the need to pause for several months to allow time for thoughtful discussions and the development of a more strategic approach to anti-poverty efforts.

Alderperson Barnes indicated she was abstaining from the vote.

Council members discussed a possible amendment for the organizations that were working on opening prior to the proposed moratorium.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 4-2-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Poulos, Healy, Hurt. Nay: Parker and Evans. Absent: None.

d. Report from the City Clerk's Office regarding a resolution adopting the full release and partial release of Closed Session minutes and the destruction of audio recordings from the same Closed Session minutes.

Motion: Motion to approve the full release and partial release of Closed Session minutes as recommended and adopt the resolution.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to approve the full release and partial release of Closed Session minutes as recommended and adopt the resolution; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

e. Report from the Wetland Task Force regarding a resolution on the City's commitment to register the Southwest Rock Island Wetlands as a Land and Water Reserve with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Motion: Motion to adopt the resolution.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to adopt the resolution; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

8. Ordinances (First Readings)

a. Report from the Community Development Department regarding amendments to Chapter 4: Building Regulations of the Municipal Code. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to consider the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Swanson moved to consider the ordinance; Alderperson Poulos seconded. DISCUSSION:

Community Development Director Brainard clarified that the first section of the ordinance includes language that has remained unchanged for the past 20 years. He noted that this is the first time any concerns have been raised about it and emphasized that no modifications are being made to that portion. Regarding the section on rent abatement, he explained that the City does not order or require rent abatement. Rather, when a rental license is revoked, it becomes unlawful for the landlord to continue offering the unit for rent. City Attorney Day added that, under common law, tenants may raise a defense in an eviction case if the unit is deemed uninhabitable or unsafe, and in such circumstances, tenants often stop paying rent due to the poor condition of the unit. She clarified that the ordinance does not instruct tenants to withhold rent but acknowledges that tenants have the option to do so if the property no longer holds a valid rental license. However, tenants must make that decision individually, as eviction proceedings can still be initiated by the landlord.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

b. Report from the Community Development Department regarding an amendment to the International Residential Code removing a requirement for fire sprinkler systems in one- and two family houses. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to consider the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to consider the ordinance; Alderperson Swanson seconded. DISCUSSION:

Fire Chief Graff and Fire Marshal Briggs explained that homes equipped with both a fire sprinkler system and smoke detectors have a survival rate of 82 percent, compared to just 50 percent with smoke detectors alone. They also noted that current regulations do not require a fire alarm system to be connected, nor is there a requirement for annual inspections.

Some council members expressed their concern about the cost of the sprinkler system and how it is a barrier to new home construction in the City as the surrounding cities do not require a sprinkler system. Fire Marshal Briggs clarified that a remodel does not need a fire sprinkler system, only new construction.

Community Development Director Brainard said there have been no new home constructions this year and very few over the past several years. He said at the Rock Island County level, you can install a fire sprinkler system in your one or two-family house or approach the construction method differently to use materials that burn slower and be exempt from the sprinkler requirement.

Some council members expressed concern about removing this fire sprinkler system requirement as it is a life saving measure.

Alderperson Evans made a motion and then withdrew his motion to table the item indefinitely. VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-2-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: Parker and Poulos. Absent: None.

c. Report from the Community Development Department regarding the establishment of an urban agriculture ordinance. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to consider the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to consider the ordinance; Alderperson Evans seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Community Development Director Brainard clarified that the first right of refusal will be included in the property sale process and not included in this ordinance.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

d. Report from the Economic Development Department regarding removal of parcels from the Parkway/I-280 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District - As Amended. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to approve the removal of parcels and consider the ordinance. RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to approve the removal of parcels and consider the ordinance; Alderperson Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to amend the motion to consider, suspend the rules and pass the ordinance; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, 7th Ward Alderman Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

e. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Kim Romano to remove the handicapped parking space at 3752 12th Street. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to approve the request and consider the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Evans moved to approve the request and consider the ordinance; Alderperson Barnes seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, 7th Ward Alderman Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

f. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Daniel Bounds to remove the handicapped parking space at 1529 10th Avenue. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to approve the request and consider the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

This item was removed from the agenda.

9. Consent Agenda

All items under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted by a single motion and subsequent roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless an Alderperson so requests, in which case, the item will be moved from the Consent Agenda and considered as the first item after approval of the Consent Agenda.

a. Report from the City Clerk's Office regarding requests from Greater Antioch Baptist Church to use sound amplification and to close 10th Avenue between 14th & 14 1/2 Streets on Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for their annual outdoor worship service.

b. Report from the City Clerk's Office regarding a request from IMPAACT Real Youth Empowerment to close 9th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for their BackPaacts with Purpose Drive.

c. Report from the City Clerk's Office regarding a request from the MLK Center to use sound amplification on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; a request to close 9th Street between 12th and 13th Avenues on Friday, August 29, 2025 through Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for their Soul of the City event; a request to hold a parade on Saturday, August 30, 2025; and a request to waive all fees.

d. Minutes from the July 14, 2025 Closed Session.

e. Minutes from the July 14, 2025 Study Session and City Council meeting.

Motion: Motion to approve Consent Agenda items a through e.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to approve consent agenda items a through e; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

10. Claims/Purchases

a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 to Summerset Marine Construction, Whitewater, Wisconsin, for the Sunset Marina Dock Replacement Project in the amount of $402,121.80 using ARPA funds (unrestricted).

b. Report from the Public Works Department requesting authorization to purchase a Marina Lift Station pump from Electric Pump, Des Moines, Iowa, in the amount of $10,870 using ARPA funds (unrestricted).

c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to IMEG, Rock Island, Illinois, for the Sunset Marina electrical upgrades project in the amount of $15,760 using ARPA funds (unrestricted).

Motion: Motion to allow claims a through c.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to allow claims a through c; Alderperson Evans seconded.

Alderperson Parker moved to amend the motion and remove item a from consideration; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt and Evans removed their first and second motions. Alderperson Hurt moved to allow claim a; Alderperson Evans seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Alderperson Parker recused himself from voting on claim item a due to the nature of his employment.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Crawford Company, Rock Island, Illinois, for the Sunset Marina electrical upgrades project in the amount of $10,854 using ARPA funds (unrestricted).

Motion: Motion to allow the claim.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Poulos moved to approve the agreemtn and authorize the City Manager to execute the document; Alderperson Barnes seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

11. Contracts/Agreements

a. Report from the Fire Department regarding the Quad City Region Incident Management Assistance Team (QCRIMAT) Agreement.

Motion: Motion to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the document.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Poulos moved to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the document; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

b. Report from the Police Department regarding a one-year agreement and reciprocal reporting agreement with the Rock Island-Milan School District #41 to provide a Police Department School Resource Officer (SRO) at Rock Island High School.

Motion: Motion to approve the agreements, subject to minor attorney modifications, and authorize the City Manager and staff to execute the documents.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Poulos moved to approve the agreements, subject to minor attorney modifications, and authorize the City Manager and staff to execute the documents; Alderperson Parker seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding an open-ended lease agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management for approximately twenty 2025 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles.

Motion: Motion to approve the negotiation of an open-ended lease agreement. RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Barnes moved to approve the negotiation of an open-ended lease agreement; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the Franciscan Storage/Treatment Water Line Replacement Project, recommending the bid be awarded to McClintock Trucking and Excavating, Silvis, Illinois, in the amount of $47,660.

Motion: Motion to award the bid and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Evans moved to award the bid and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents; Alderperson Swanson seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Alderperson Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment. VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding an amendment to the Site License Agreement with AT&T for the 1405 36th Street water tower.

Motion: Motion to approve the amendment and authorize the City Manager to execute the document.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Poulos moved to approve the amendment and authorize the City Manager to execute the document; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, 7th Ward Alderman Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

12. Budget/Finance Items

a. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget adjustment to the General Fund (100) in the amount of $35,000.

Motion: Motion to approve the budget adjustment.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Barnes moved to approve the budget adjustment; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, 7th Ward Alderman Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

13. Department Reports

a. Report from the Community Development Department regarding a fence variance request from Illinois Casualty Company (ICC) for property at 225 20th Street.

Motion: Motion to approve the variance for the fence height.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to approve the variance for the fence height; Alderperson Poulos seconded. VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

b. Report from the Community Development Department regarding a sign variance request from Quad City Botanical Center for property at 2525 4th Avenue.

Motion: Motion to approve the sign variance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to approve the sign variance; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

14. Other Business/New Business

Alderperson Evans said he would like to have an invocation at the beginning of Council meetings and have our police chaplains say a prayer. Members discussed the issue regarding separation of church and state and first amendment challenges.

15. Closed Session

a. 5 ILCS120/2(c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding must be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.

Motion: Motion to enter Closed Session for the exception cited.

VV Voice vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Poulos moved to enter closed session for the exception cited; Alderperson Hurt seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

The City Council entered closed session at 9:39 p.m.

16. Adjourn

a. Motion: Motion to Adjourn to August 11, 2025

VV Voice vote is needed.

Upon entering back into the regular City Council meeting, Clerk Gange called the roll. Mayor Harris and all council members were present with the exception of Alderperson Bill Healy.

MOTION:

Alderperson Poulos moved to adjourn the meeting; Alderperson Parker seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: None.

The City Council meeting concluded at 10:22 p.m.

https://www.rigov.org/301/Agenda-Minutes